On Monday, December 4, 2023, Home Secretary James Cleverly introduced a comprehensive five-point plan aimed at addressing what he perceives as an excessively high immigration rate in the United Kingdom. The new measures, set to be implemented in March 2024, target students and care workers, intending to restrict them from bringing dependants into the country.
“Our plan will deliver the biggest-ever cut in net migration and curb abuse,” declared Mr. Cleverly, emphasizing the government’s commitment to significant reform.
According to Cleverly, a staggering 75% of the 120,000 dependants associated with care workers and students are currently not employed, placing considerable strain on public services like the NHS and leading to higher welfare bills for British taxpayers.
The key changes outlined in the five-point plan include:
• A substantial increase in the minimum salary required for skilled overseas workers, soaring from £26,200 to £38,700.
• Health and care workers will face a ban on bringing family dependants to the UK.
•Students will also be prohibited from bringing family members into the country except those pursuing postgraduate research degrees.
•The minimum income for family visas is set to rise to £38,700.
• The annual NHS charge for foreign workers will increase from £624 to £1,035.
Mr. Cleverly assured Members of Parliament that these measures are designed to decrease the number of immigrants entering the UK, especially in contrast to the approximately 300,000 immigrants allowed in the previous year.
These changes are poised to have a significant impact, shaping the immigration landscape in the UK.